Decorating a nursery involves a lot of choices and typically a lot of research. The best crib, the safest mattress, even changing table options – everyone has an opinion. One thing that most experienced parents agree on is the importance of having a comfortable seating option in the nursery for the many late-night feedings ahead. One big decision you need to make is whether you should get a glider or recliner for your nursery. In this blog, we’ll go over the pros and cons of choosing a recliner or glider for the nursery.
What are the Benefits of a Glider Chair?
A glider is similar to a traditional rocking chair but is different in the way it moves. Rockers move in an arc motion, while gliders move in a back and forth motion. They are typically only used in nurseries and feature a hardwood construction with a removable cushion. There are also pricier upholstered versions. Gliders aren’t typically the most comfortable option for Mom, but their gliding motion can be extremely useful when trying to calm or soothe a baby.
Pros
- Smooth gliding motion
- Removable cushion for easy cleaning
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t recline
- Doesn’t swivel
- Footrest/ottoman is often an additional cost
- Usually the back isn’t high enough to rest your head on
- Can’t be used to sleep in
- Narrow armrests make nursing/bottle feeding difficult without additional pillows
What are the Benefits of a Rocking Chair or Recliner?
A recliner is designed with comfort in mind. After a long day of changing diapers, feeding and cleaning, nothing quite matches the feeling of sinking into a plush recliner. They come in a variety of styles and fabric options to fit in with almost any décor. You can even find recliners with adjustable headrests and power reclining for the utmost comfort and ease. Many people shy away from recliners because they can be stationary pieces of furniture. However, function varies by model, and most offer rocking and swivel motions in addition to the recline feature.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Can rock or be reclined for sleep
- Built-in footrest
- Many models swivel, rock, and recline
- Wide cushioned armrests and lumbar support make it comfortable for nursing
- Many styles available
- Can be reused in another room of your home when children outgrow the nursery
Cons
- Can only be spot cleaned
- Typically more expensive than gliders
Should I Get a Glider or Recliner for Nursery?
The glider vs. recliner decision really boils down to your budget, preference and need. Everybody’s different, and there’s no magic one-size-fits-all glider or recliner for nurseries. If you have a smaller budget and want something simple, gliders are a great choice. Just keep in mind you likely won’t use it outside of the nursery. If you have a larger budget or want a chair that can be used long after your child has outgrown their nursery, recliners are perfect. Whether you go with a recliner or glider, be sure you choose a durable one with a stain-resistant fabric.
We hope the information above has helped you pick a side on the “recliner vs. glider for the nursery” debate. To shop our recliners, browse our complete collection online or test them out in store to find the most comfortable recliner for you at any of our locations in Indiana and Indianapolis.